Virtual Machine

A virtual machine (VM) is a digital version of a physical computer. Virtual machine software can run programs and operating systems, store data, connect to networks, and do other computing functions, and requires maintenance such as updates and system monitoring. 

Virtual machine defined

A VM is a virtualized instance of a computer that can perform almost all of the same functions as a computer, including running applications and operating systems.

Virtual machines run on a physical machine and access computing resources from software called a hypervisor. The hypervisor abstracts the physical machine’s resources into a pool that can be provisioned and distributed as needed, enabling multiple VMs to run on a single physical machine.

OR

What Is a Virtual Machine? 

A virtual machine (VM) is a computer system emulation. VM software replaces physical computing infrastructure/hardware with software to provide an environment for deploying applications and performing other app-related tasks. 

The term “virtual machine” (VM) refers to a computer that exists only in digital form. The actual computer is often referred to as the “host” in these situations, while other operating system(s) running on it are referred to as the “guests.” Using the hardware resources of the host, virtual machines let users install more than one operating system (OS) on the same computer. 

Virtual machines are also used to develop and publish apps to the cloud, run software that is not compatible with the host operating system, and back up existing operating systems. Developers may also use them to test their products quickly and easily in different environments. VM technology can be used both on-premises and within the cloud. For example, public cloud services often use virtual machines to give multiple users access to low-cost virtual application resources.

How do virtual machines work?

Virtualization allows for creating a software-based computer with dedicated amounts of memory, storage, and CPU from the host computer. This process is managed by hypervisor software. As needed, the hypervisor moves resources from the host to the guest. It also schedules operations in VMs to avoid conflicts and interference when using resources. 

A virtual machine (VM) allows a different operating system to be executed inside the confines of its distinct computing environment within a window similar to those used for other programs. As it is often separated from the rest of the system, the virtual machine cannot make any unapproved modifications to the host computer.

                                 OR

How multiple virtual machines work

Multiple VMs can be hosted on a single physical machine, often a server, and then managed using virtual machine software. This provides flexibility for compute resources (compute, storage, network) to be distributed among VMs as needed, increasing overall efficiency. This architecture provides the basic building blocks for the advanced virtualized resources we use today, including cloud computing.

What are virtual machines used for?

VMs are the basic building blocks of virtualized computing resources and play a primary role in creating any application, tool, or environment—for virtual machines online and on-premises. Here are a few of the more common enterprise functions of virtual machines:

Consolidate servers

VMs can be set up as servers that host other VMs, which lets organizations reduce sprawl by concentrating more resources onto a single physical machine.

Create development and test environments

VMs can serve as isolated environments for testing and development that include full functionality but have no impact on the surrounding infrastructure.

Support DevOps

VMs can easily be turned off or on, migrated, and adapted, providing maximum flexibility for development. 

Enable workload migration

The flexibility and portability that VMs provide are key to increasing the velocity of migration initiatives.

Improve disaster recovery and business continuity

Replicating systems in cloud environments using VMs can provide an extra layer of security and certainty. Cloud environments can also be continuously updated.

Create a hybrid environment

VMs provide the foundation for creating a cloud environment alongside an on-premises one, bringing flexibility without abandoning legacy systems.

Benefits of using virtual machines

Organizations, IT professionals, developers, and other home users looking for ways to solve problems that result from remote operations are set to benefit from what virtual machines offer. Virtual machines provide users with the same applications, settings, and user interfaces they would find in a physical computer from a remote area. Other benefits include:

• Cost savings: VMs eliminate upfront costs of expensive hardware, such as those involved in acquiring physical servers for hosting applications. Organizations can acquire better hardware that provides platforms for virtual environments and storage that cost significantly less than continuously acquiring bulky hardware.
• Energy savings: Thanks to virtualization, businesses can operate several virtual PC environments on a single physical computer. This can effectively cut down on the total energy spent as multiple operating systems (OS) are run on one computer instead of several. Consequently, organizations spend less electricity to run their physical servers during operations and cooling. This makes them somewhat environmentally friendly as they contribute to reducing their carbon footprint.
• The isolated environment provided by virtual machines: VMs give testers, developers, and security analysts a virtual environment where they can safely run multiple applications and services in a separate space. For instance, a security analyst can run various scenarios for different operating systems, such as Windows or Linux, to test their product on one computer using VMs. This increases their productivity.
• Easy to backup and clone: Physical servers take up significantly more time to replace in cases of catastrophic events than virtualized environments which may take a couple of minutes. Also, because virtual machines are stored on the hard drives of the host, they are easy to back up, move, or copy in real-time.
• Save space: Virtual machines help organizations reduce unnecessary hardware machines such as servers. In turn, this may lead to organizations using fewer floor spaces and cabling, thus lowering costs to invest in more critical areas. Virtual machines also have the potential to store more data for a lesser price than using physical servers.
• Flexibility: Virtual machines enable organizations to run multiple operating systems simultaneously. With the help of VMs, organizations and developers can buy any type of desktop and use an operating system of their choice without worrying about the compatibility of the programs they may require. This allows them flexibility as they can efficiently run Microsoft Office on a macOS.
• Workplace mobility and customization: Different departments in an organization can configure their virtual machine as necessary.